Ferdinand is one of several names under consideration by the FA for the role, despite still playing for QPR in the Premier League.

How it would fit around his playing schedule is unknown.

FA vice-chairman David Gill ruled himself out of the running and the organisation are also considering Graeme Le Saux, Paul Elliott and David James, according to the Press Association.

Both Le Saux and Elliott already play a role with the FA, sitting on its inclusion advisory board.

Whoever is chosen, they will have to stand for election next March against opposition being put forward by Scotland and Wales; most likely SFA president Campbell Ogilivie and Welsh FA president Trefor Lloyd Hughes.

UEFA member countries will then vote for the person to succeed Northern Ireland's Jim Boyce, who is stepping down in June.

Boyce has declared that he has no plans to run for the post again.

The Welsh FA believe it is rightfully their turn to have a person in position, having never had it before in almost 70 years.

Additionally, they believe that there is a gentleman's agreement between the home nations to let them hold the post for the next four years.

However, as all UEFA members must now vote, rather than merely the home nations, FA insiders say that rotation deal has been scrapped.